Loch canoeists die after rescue

A man and his seven-year-old son have died after getting into trouble while canoeing on Loch Maree in Wester Ross.

The pair had been airlifted to Western Isles Hospital in Stornoway.

Stornoway coastguard said their canoe overturned after they headed out at about midday for a 20-minute trip on the inland loch, south of Ullapool.

The alarm was raised when they did not return as expected, and they were lifted from the water by the coastguard's helicopter.

They have not yet been identified.

Stornoway Coastguard watch manager David Smith said: "Both the boy and his father were wearing buoyancy aids and were located quickly by the helicopter.

"In spite of this and the efforts of the helicopter crew, tragically both the father and son have been pronounced deceased at Western Isles Hospital."

Chief Inspector Michael Coats of Northern Constabulary, said: "This is indeed a tragic accident and at this time our thoughts and sympathies are with the family."